.

30L isn't all that much unless you are just using it for work/commute (not my definition of huge anyhow even on a bike). If there is anything you particularly want to keep dry I stick em in some dry sacks or something inside the bag anyhow.
 
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I have the R20 and use it in all conditions, including torrential downpours. Never let water inside.


It's not going to be submersible and I imagine if you leave it sitting on the ground/against water it is going to let water in through absorption (bottom of the bag being the most likely area of ingress). But for using as a commuting/other motorcycle backpack I have zero concerns about precipitation being an issue and never think twice about it. Mine is over 4 years old now, and other than the interior zippable pocket being frayed up it's still in great condition, one of my best gear purchases.

It's not the best capacity going but enough for my needs. I don't tour with a backpack as I use a Kriega Hydropack. I can get a spare change of clothes + shoes in the R20 without any issue and frequently use it for the on way back from home small shop.
 
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I will never tour with a 30L rucksack again, so if I got the 30L it would only ever be 2/3 full. My sports touring are more sports than touring so with a tank bag I only need a small and light-ish rucksack. I already have a 30L waterproof rucksack but it doesn't have the chest harness that I think I would appreciate.

I wouldn't be doing anything daft with it, but if it can survive some pretty heavy rain that would be great.
 
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I've used the r35 through 3 hours of Wales finest torrential rain and everything inside was still dry. I give it a spray with some nikwax every 6 months or so just to help anyway.
 
The R30 has straps so you can pack it down much smaller (flatter) than it's full capacity. It's the only one of their rucksacks guaranteed waterproof as it has the roll top same as their US bags.

I rarely use it full.
 
The outer pockets on the US30 have the water resistant zips with non waterproof material and my stuff in there has got damp. From what I can tell, the smaller ones are the same material, so they'd get damp inside when very wet.

TallPaul_S said:
The R30 has straps so you can pack it down much smaller (flatter) than it's full capacity. It's the only one of their rucksacks guaranteed waterproof as it has the roll top same as their US bags.

I rarely use it full.
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This. If it's only ever going to be 2/3 full, then that's good imo. You don't want to have to stuff everything in every time. More space is good :)
 
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I have the R30 backpack, US30 and US20 and they have a plastic waterproof bag that lines the inside (also replaceable). It's 100% waterproof. However, the claimed waterproof zips aren't waterproof at all and anything in those pockets will get wet - the main compartment is fine though. I assume the R20 is the same as the smaller pockets on the R30 in that it doesn't have a waterproof liner so I wouldn't go with it unless you can find out whether it's waterproof or not. If it has the waterproof lining bag then go for it.

Remember that the R30 can easily be made smaller by adjusting the straps. Definitely does't feel like a 30 litre pack.
 
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I can echo all the above comments. It's very waterproof, and you don't need to worry about filling it as it compresses down. I use it all the time only half full.
 
I have the R25 and ride every day with it. It's been through some torrential rain and only once let some water in. I won't risk it though as I carry my laptop in there so that goes in a dry bag along with anything that I can't afford to have water on. I have to say though considering it's not classed as waterproof it really does do a good job. I love the bag too. Really really comfortable. I ride 60 miles a day and hardly notice I have it on my back.
 
My R35 is not very waterproof, it will survive light rain but if its a heavy downpour anything touching the ouside bit of the bag will be wet, not soaking but quite clearly doesn't keep the water out, and that happens after about 20 min ride, nevermind longer...

Ive got one of those roll up top backpacks that are waterproof if I am going to be out in rain for a while.
 
Fireskull said:
My R35 is not very waterproof, it will survive light rain but if its a heavy downpour anything touching the ouside bit of the bag will be wet, not soaking but quite clearly doesn't keep the water out, and that happens after about 20 min ride, nevermind longer...

Ive got one of those roll up top backpacks that are waterproof if I am going to be out in rain for a while.
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The R35 isn't meant to be waterproof and unfortunately doesn't contain the waterproof liner like the R30:

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Fireskull said:
My R35 is not very waterproof, it will survive light rain but if its a heavy downpour anything touching the ouside bit of the bag will be wet, not soaking but quite clearly doesn't keep the water out, and that happens after about 20 min ride, nevermind longer...

Ive got one of those roll up top backpacks that are waterproof if I am going to be out in rain for a while.
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I have one of these but the ergonomics are crap for the bike, hence the desire to change:
http://www.overboard.eu/classic-waterproof-backpack-30-litres.html
 
Thats pretty similar to what I have and I agree they are awful, specially over leathers.
Might be worth looking at the R30 then if thats waterproof? Might have a look myself but they aren't cheap. not when I already have the R35...
 
I've been using the R30 for nearly 3 years as my main rucksack for commuting/touring/days out etc. In that time it's had one replacement liner as it let in a bit of damp earlier this year, which was my fault. Other than that it's been excellent at keeping contents dry.

As others have said, the external pockets are not waterproof. The other half has the R20, but she won't ride if there's a hint of rain. If I ever want to use that I'd take the liner out of the US20 tailpack to keep contents dry.

Don't know why Kriega don't supply dry bags with all their rucksacks.
 
Fireskull said:
Thats pretty similar to what I have and I agree they are awful, specially over leathers.
Might be worth looking at the R30 then if thats waterproof? Might have a look myself but they aren't cheap. not when I already have the R35...
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Join the rest of us in the 'Kriega anonymous' club, for those with an addiction :p
Kreeeee said:
Price isn't an issue. Ideally the R20 would be waterproof but it looks like I have to get the R30.
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It's the best one I reckon, and even completely full it's easy to wear for 10-12 hours, there's zero weight on your shoulders with kreiga bags so you hardly notice they're there.

My R30 must have done 20k miles commuting and trips and has never let me down. They're expensive but worth the money.
 
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